Visakhapatnam: A 61-day fishing ban has been imposed along the eastern coast from midnight Monday until June 15. The ban aims to protect fish and shrimp during their reproductive season.The authorities have made arrangements to enforce the ban, under which fishing with motorised boats is prohibited for the two-months period. Wooden rafts are permitted to do fishing as they do not disturb the waters much.The ban would impact fisherwomen who rely on sea fish sale for their livelihood. Dried fish prices have surged. Fisherwoman Parvathi told Deccan Chronicle that the price of dried Nethallu fish has risen from Rs 500 to Rs 800 per kilo, while dried prawns now cost Rs 100–150 more per kilogram.Mylapalli Ernamma, secretary of the Visakha town fisherwomen dry fish cooperative society, expressed concern over the challenges of dried fish processing during this period. Raw materials have become scarce now, forcing them to rely fully on existing stocks.The Visakha town fisherwomen dry fish cooperative society comprises 164 fishermen producing 8 tonnes of dried fish daily. The fishing harbour in Visakhapatnam accommodates 700 non-engine boats and 1,000 engine boats, while Anakapalle district has 2,360 engines and wooden rafts. Only wooden rafts can do fishing now as conservation is the goal.Historically, fishermen received free supply of rice as support during fishing bans. Now, instead, they receive cash assistance. Under the Matsakara Bharosa programme, the alliance government has announced an aid of Rs 20,000 to eligible fishermen in May.The authorities have warned of legal action against those violating the ban, emphasizing the need for compliance, so as to also avoid these people losing welfare benefits.
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